Two held in home invasion spree

Cass deputies believe pair involved in break-ins in 3 counties.

Cass deputies believe pair involved in break-ins in 3 counties.

October 07, 2006

MARCELLUS -- Two men were arrested in connection with at least six home invasions in three counties, the Cass County Sheriff's Office reported. Authorities found the pair after someone called regarding a suspicious vehicle spotted in a wooded area Thursday near a former methamphetamine production site in Marcellus Township off of Hemlock Lake Road near Brody Street, a news release said. There police found Zachary Freeman, 21, of Cedar Springs, Mich., and Robert Pursifull, 20, of Sand Lake, Mich., as the two reportedly attempted to burn a box that contained numerous personal documents, including some documents from a residence in Marcellus Township, the release said. Investigators went to the residence and discovered that the house had been broken into. The homeowner was contacted and authorities determined that some of the property in the men's vehicle had been stolen from the residence. Officers reportedly found a large amount of antique coins and property in the vehicle as well, the release said. After contacting authorities in Kalamazoo and St. Joseph counties, investigators linked some of the property in the men's possession to several home invasions that had happened in those counties earlier in the day. Police believe the men broke into at least six homes in three counties, the release said. Freeman and Pursifull were arraigned Friday on charges of conspiracy to commit home invasion, home invasion second degree, possession of burglary tools, larceny in a building and both were charged as habitual offenders, the release said. Their bond was set at $20,000 each. The pair are lodged in the Cass County Jail. Authorities expect that the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office, Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office and the Michigan State Police may seek additional charges.